Skip to content

Love that inspires and goes beyond

By Ken Rolheiser

            “A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.” -Ingrid Bergman

            When wedding photographer James Day of Australia was setting up for the perfect shot of newlyweds and an exquisite sunset, he realized something was missing. When the light was perfect, he walked up to them and said, “Guys, stop posing. Just enjoy your first sunset together as husband and wife.”

            The busy wedding day activities may distract a couple from each other and the love they are celebrating. Day asked them a focusing question: “Out of the billions of people on the planet, you’ve chosen to spend the rest of your life with Roslyn. Can you tell her why?”

            Adrian leant in to let his bride know why she was the chosen one, Day snapped away and caught the tender moment that saw Roslyn with tears rolling down her cheeks. While we will never know why she is the one in billions, the photo demonstrates the pure love that has brought these two together in matrimony.

            We all enjoy love stories and get inspired by them. Turning our lives into living love is the on-going challenge. The greatest love story is called “Don't you know how much I care?”

            As you come home from work you discover a news story that has taken over the media. A deadly new influenza is spreading over all countries. There is nothing to stop it.

            Scientists are working around the clock trying to find an antidote. Now it enters your country. Suddenly you hear that a vaccine can be made. It's going to take the blood of somebody who hasn't been infected.

            Everyone is asked to get tested. You make your way to the hospital amid ambulances and sirens. After they take your blood they say, "Wait here in the parking lot till we dismiss you."

            A young man comes running out of the hospital screaming. He's yelling a name. He yells it again. Your son tugs on your jacket and says, "Daddy, that's me." Before you know it, they have grabbed your boy.

            Wait a minute. Hold on. And they say, "It's okay, his blood is clean. His blood is pure. We want to make sure he doesn't have the disease. We think he has the right type."

            Five tense minutes later, out come the doctors and nurses, crying and hugging one another. "Thank you, sir. Your son's blood type is perfect. It's clean, it is pure, and we can make the vaccine."

            “H-how many pints?"

            The old doctor's smile fades and he says, "We had no idea it would be a little child. We weren't prepared. We need it all. We are talking about the world here. Please sign. We need it all."

            Can you take his hands and say, "Son, your mommy and I love you, and we would never ever let anything happen to you that didn't just have to be. Do you understand that?"

            Can you walk out while your son is saying, "Dad? Mom? Dad? Why - why have you forsaken me?"

            And then next week, when they have the ceremony to honour your son, some folks sleep through it, and some folks go to the lake, and some folks come and just pretend to care. (From – the idea door.com)

            Father, seeing it from your eyes breaks our hearts. Maybe now we can begin to comprehend the great love you have for us.